Chapter 13

Debra didn't expect Juan to believe her, anyway. Quickly, she followed him into the car, and he pretended affection by holding her hand—an act solely for Melody's benefit. Juan's parents had passed away, leaving Melody to raise him; he respected and obeyed her implicitly. Debra didn't reveal the truth, choosing instead to play along.

"What about that land? How do you plan to deal with it?" Melody suddenly asked, addressing Juan.

From the front seat, Juan glanced at Debra through the rearview mirror. "That's Debra's purchase; she'll handle it herself," he said.

Melody looked at Debra. "Leave this matter to Juan. The most important thing for you is to be a good wife and mother."

"Matters concerning the Nichols family are naturally handled by Juan," Debra responded, "but this land was bought on behalf of the elders in my family. They will take care of the rest."

Melody's tone softened. "In the future, stay out of such matters. Now that you're married to Juan, everything you do represents the Nichols family."

"I know," Debra replied, acutely aware of Melody's temperament. She knew she'd be in trouble if Melody discovered her intention to be independent.

"Juan, I have a mahjong game tonight. You'll take Debra home. Put work aside for now; taking care of your wife is the priority," Melody hinted.

Juan frowned, though he concealed his dissatisfaction. "Understood, Grandma."

Seeing his expression in the mirror, Debra knew he would blame her. She often had to swallow bitter pills and endure it. Let him blame her; the more he disliked her, the better. Divorce was soon her goal.

She'd planned to visit the Frazier Group that day, but Melody had dragged her around the mall. By the time they left, it was dark. In the car, both Debra and Juan remained silent.

"I have some work at the company. I won't be coming home tonight," Juan stated.

"When was the last time you came home?" Debra asked casually, leaving Juan speechless.

Apart from the land issue a few days prior, Juan hadn't been home at night for some time. She craved a peaceful life.

As the car stopped outside their house, Debra retrieved her bag. The sight of the numerous shopping bags in the trunk soured her expression. Melody was cunning; knowing Juan might resist accompanying Debra home, she'd deliberately bought many items, making it impossible for Debra to manage them alone.

Debra glanced at Juan. "Mr. Nichols, care to give me a hand?"

Juan rubbed his temples. He should have dropped Debra off halfway. He exited the car, carrying five or six bags, with Debra following.

As soon as they opened the door, Juan froze. Debra, stuck outside, asked in confusion, "Why aren't you going in?"